The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States, was founded in 1776. It is named for the Greek initials of its motto, Philosophia Biou Kubernetes, which means “love of learning is the guide of life.” The Society celebrates outstanding academic achievement and breadth of study in the liberal arts and sciences. Fewer than 10 percent of American colleges and universities have Phi Beta Kappa chapters. And fewer than 10 percent of the arts and sciences graduates of these distinguished institutions are selected for membership in Phi Beta Kappa. The Pi of California chapter at Santa Clara University was established in 1977. Seniors initiated into the Pi of California must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.75 while taking a challenging mix of courses in mathematics, the natural and social sciences, the humanities, and foreign language.
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